“It’s our job to provide customers with choice and value but with limited shelf space we have to balance providing choice with making sure the most popular products customers want to buy are available every time they shop. Keeping products that are not selling on shelf makes this difficult."

“We’re sorry for the disappointment and we’ll ensure your feedback is shared with our Merch Team so they’re aware.”

A Woolworths spokeswoman said, “We discontinued ranging Starburst products in late 2015. We continue to stock a wide range of delicious chocolates and sweets which are very popular with our customers and great value.”

A spokesman for Metcash confirmed IGA still stocked Starburst while a spokeswoman for Starburst manufacturer Mars has declined to comment.